Research Note

Germination Characteristics of Cat’s-Ear (Hypochaeris radicata)

Jin-Won   Kim1   In-Yong   Lee 1,*   

1National Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Rural Development Administration, Wanju 55365, Korea

Abstract

Cat’s-ear (Hypochaeris radicata L) is perennial weed and one of the invasive alien species in Republic of Korea. Two germination tests about temperature and burial depth were conducted to elucidate the germination characteristics of H. radicata that potential perennial weed in arable lands. The seeds of H. radicata germinated very well at 10, 15, and 20℃ but the germination was decreased at 25, 30, and 35℃. The optimum temperature of H. radicata was expected 25/20℃ (day/night) resulting from the germination ratio under alternative temperature condition. Based on this result, optimum management time could be expected from mid-Feb. to early-Mar. The seeds emerged at 1-6 cm of burial depth and optimum burial depth of H. radicata was expected to 1-2 cm from the soil surface. Based on both results, conventional cultivation at early spring could be a physical management method for H. radicata. These results could be helpful for establishment of systemic management of H. radicata.

Figures & Tables

Fig. 1.Germination rate of under constant (A) and alternative (B) temperature (day/night). Vertical bar means standard deviation (n=4).